Nearby Theaters

Located to the north of the town centre. The Eldon Street Picture Hall was opened on 17th March 1913. Designed by local architects Hoskins & Brown, the auditorium ran parallel to the street. The proscenium was 25 feet wide, and the stage was 9 feet deep. There were two dressing rooms which had occasional use when variety acts were presented.

It was re-named People’s Palace, and in 1920 had been re-named Scala Cinema. In the mid-1950’s it was taken over by the Newcastle based Essoldo Cinemas chain and was re-named Essoldo. CinemaScope was fitted at this time.

The Essoldo was closed on 28th April 1962 with Doris Day in “Please Don’t East the Daisies”. It was converted into a bingo club, operating as Masons Bingo Club in 1994, and today is a Top Ten Bingo Club.